9-1-1 -- What You Should Know
Information about how "9-1-1" works and where it came from - The benefits of the system, and what you should be aware of
"Dial 9-1-1" - A great way to get help when you are in an emergency. But where did this system come from and how does it work? When your phone call reaches the 9-1-1 answering point (Public Safety Answering Point, or PSAP,) how does help get where it needs to go.
One thing that many people believe concerning dialing 9-1-1 is that, when you call 9-1-1, the person answering your call knows who you are and where you are. Often that is true, but here are some things you need to be aware of . . .
First, not every place in the country has access to this technology. There are some PSAP's that do not receive this information when they receive a call.
Second, cell phones, now the most common phone used to call 9-1-1, do not always give very helpful information. Depending on the phone, the provider, the strength of the signal in the area, and other factors, dialling 9-1-1 on a cell phone may give the PSAP information concerning the tower your phone's signal is hitting rather than where you actually are. Or it may give your location, but only within, say 300 feet - great information if you're out in an open field, but if you're in the middle of a large apartment complex, not nearly as helpful. Technology is rapidly becoming better, but these issues still exist.
Third, the most reliable 9-1-1 location information, that received from a "landline" phone, is still dependent on information gathered from the phone company or other organization that "owns" the information. Which means it is susceptible to human input and error. While not common, errors such as an address stating "southwest" instead of "southeast" can send the needed help to the wrong location.
Fourth, "voice over internet protocol" (VOIP) and "digital phone service" over cable or internet lines are fast becoming an established means of phone service, often because of the financial benefits. However, this type of service is by far the least reliable concerning information sent to the PSAP. Issues such as information entered incorrectly upon "registration," and service hardware being used at locations other than the one originally "registered," can cause significantly misleading and erronous information being relayed to the PSAP. And, these calls often reach the PSAP on "administrative" or "non-emergency" standard seven-digit phone lines, which means that it may be answered more slowly as the calltakers answer those calls coming in on dedicated "9-1-1 lines." As with cell phones, this technology is improving, but it is still far from reaching perfection.
So what should you do? First, realize that technology IS improving. Dialing 9-1-1 is constantly and consistently becoming more efficient, more effective, and more readily accessible all the time. But there are still some problems that can occur, and there are some things that you can do to make sure help gets there when you need it.
The first, and most important, is to know where you are and to verify the information with the person answering your call. We can't help you if we can't find you. Clearly identifying your house can help in this aspect, too (see
here for information on this.)
Second, be as calm as possible. Emergency situations can often create emotional and psychological distress. But the more calm you can remain, answering questions as clearly as possible, the more quickly the appropriate help can be sent. As clearly as possible, state what the problem is and what type of help you need. The more screaming or hysterics that interfere with the exchange of information, the harder it will be for the person at the other end to send you the help you need.
And third, listen. It is very easy to try to give as much information as quickly as possible. As noted above, it is very easy and very common to become emotional, even hysterical, in an emergency, even for the most calm of people. But if you can listen to the person taking your call, respond to their questions, and comply with directions they give you, you will ensure the best possible response to your need.
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Some informative links that may also help
(This office receives 9-1-1 calls for service in our area and dispatches our fire department)
Additonal Links (remember, 9-1-1 doesn't work exactly the same in every location in the country, but it is usually very similar, these links have some great information about this emergency tool) . . .